Pencil Tests

They say, laughter is the best medicine. I couldn’t agree more. Find happiness in what you do, and who you do it with. Everything else is just noise. - Don

On model or off model? That is the question.

I ❤️ effects animation! I did some effects studies in 2013-14 I’d love to show, what do you say? Here is some rain effects, it could use some work.

Studying Rocko from Pebble and the Penguin! He is the tritagonist, and extremely grouchy. You can tell from my EXTREMELY dark lines I was a little stressed at the moment of drawing this. When a million things are happening all at once, pick up a pencil and let out those feelings.

Happy 43rd Anniversary to our first film, "The Secret of NIMH." And to all those fabulous artists that made it possible. Thinking about it now, remembering how we were all so very innocent. It was such a magical time, and something that I will always cherish. - Don

On this day 43 years ago, “The Secret of NIMH” was released in theaters! Whenever anyone asks Don Bluth which of his films is his favorite, his answer is always the same, NIMH. Here is my digital study of Mrs. Brisby!

I love the TMNT! The cartoon, movies, and even the original and extremely difficult NES game. So! Meeting Kevin Eastman was surreal. Nicest dude, found out he lives here in Arizona. Wouldn’t it be amazing for Don and Kevin to collaborate on something? I am going to try my hardest…

I never thought someone would turn me a Funko Pop. What do you say, does it look like me? - Don

What a great surprise to run in to Jodi Benson here in Washington. Seeing her again brought back such wonderful memories creating Thumbelina. Jodi is a superstar. - Don

Hello Washington State! Why are you so cold in June?! I met Ernie Reyes Jr., which was amazing! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze is my all-time favorite TMNT anything. He was one of my inspirations to learn martial arts.

This weekend I will be at the Washington State Summer Con, Saturday and Sunday. I will be bringing copies of my autobiography and doing live drawings this weekend. If you get a chance, come by and say hello. - Don

HOLD UP!!! Are we already half way through 2025?! That’s Zany to the max! Gossamer Jr. (aka Hair Monster) study! I love the OG Tiny Toons! Even in the theme song they say, “A cartoon work of art.” And that it is!

Happy Father’s Day! Do you have a favorite Disney Dad?

Here is the same test from yesterday’s post just slower. Now you can see the frames clearly!

This is my first “run cycle” pencil test I did while learning from @DonBluth back in 2009. As you can see, practically no details have been added, it’s the construction of the character only. As I was taught, start with the believably of the motion, and ask myself does the…

Studying animation will open your eyes in more ways than you can imagine. Our new full year class starts at the end of the month. Come join us and I will walk you through the thought process that I personally use to animate. donbluthuniversity.com - Don

🎉 4K FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY 🎉 To celebrate 4,000 followers, I'm giving away an Original Animation Cel & Cleanup Drawing used in the Brave Little Toaster from my collection! How To Enter: 💡 Follow me @artoflavallelee 💡 Repost & Like 💡 Comment I love the Brave Little…

Freddie Moore Friday! I love studying his art, especially Mickey Mouse. I always wonder what it would have been like at the Disney Animation studio back then. To work along side those giants. #FreddieMoore

Here is another How-To-Draw video, this time of a character from my first children's book, "Yuki - Star of the Sea." Just like before, I would love to see your drawing attempts of this sweet character. - Don

Preston Blair digital ink and paint study from his book Advanced Animation. It was pretty cool bringing a lesson in his book to life digitally!